[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HOUSE RESOLUTION 342, THE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great support 
of H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act.
  Mr. Speaker, mosquito borne-diseases are increasingly plaguing the 
United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), last year alone there were more than 5,000 people 
infected with mosquito borne-illnesses such as Dengue Fever and the 
West Nile virus.
  As a member of Congress, I am greatly concerned with the West Nile 
virus's rapid spread nationwide. Out of my concern for the victims of 
West Nile virus and other mosquito borne diseases, I not only cosigned 
legislation and letters seeking grants and research dollars to combat 
this deadly virus, but I also wrote a letter to Dr. Julie Gerderding, 
the CDC's director. In the letter, I expressed the importance of the 
CDC, the NIH, and Congress to work cooperatively to communicate the 
concerns and resolutions in combating these deadly viruses.
  Considering West Nile virus is prevalent during the summer and early 
fall, it is imperative that the necessary steps are taken in the 
virus's prevention and vaccination before the onset of the next summer 
season. Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for 
Safety and Health (MASH) Act, would do exactly that.
  Essentially, H.R. 342 would establish two temporary grant programs to 
help state and local governments assess mosquito problems, and 
coordinate and operate mosquito control programs. This measure would 
also authorize $100 million in FY2003, and such sums as necessary each 
subsequent year through FY 2007, for these grants.
  While Florida was not as severely affected as Illinois or Michigan 
last year by the West Nile virus, Florida certainly has the propensity 
to be dramatically affected by this virus due to its annual warm 
climate. The increasing growth of outbreaks and spread of West Nile 
virus each year qualifies it as a public health threat that is likely 
to be with us for years to come. Addressing the problem now through 
H.R. 342 will provide benefits in the future, and most importantly save 
lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the M.A.S.H Act.

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